A few weeks ago, I observed another teacher’s lesson at
school. It was with Standard 6, a class I also teach and have been kind of
struggling to connect with in recent weeks (I am much better with the younger
classes who see my silliness and energy as fun and exciting, not weird and
uncool). I observed this lesson for a couple of reasons: I wanted to see how
differently (if at all) the students behaved for him, to see his teaching style,
and secretly because I knew that if I was there, he would be less likely to use
corporal punishment as a classroom management strategy because he knows I do
not like it.
Anyway, it was a great class. I enjoyed watching the teacher
interact with students and engage them in a different way than I do. And, of
course, as I suspected, they did not get out of their seats nearly as much as
in my class, they answered more of his questions, and talked a lot less while
he was writing notes on the board…but there was a little bit of that every once
in a while. So, while he had a bit more control over the class, I realized that
he doesn't have it all down perfectly either. Overall, it was a very positive
experience and I am glad that I went to see how teaching is done by a
Tanzanian.
But something else more interesting happened while I was in
the class. It was a conversation he and I had while the students did
independent work from the textbook. We were looking outside at the dark heavy
clouds and impending rain, when I absent-mindedly said, “Pray that it doesn't rain, I have laundry on the line at home.” Of course, he began reprimanding me
for not doing it on the weekend when I could supervise it. He then suggested I
call someone at home to take it down, which obviously isn't possible because we
all work…to which my friend’s reply was simply, “oh, sorry.”
Then I began explaining the concept and convenience of a
washing machine and dryer. Let’s just say he was impressed by the idea. “What
do you mean you don’t have to supervise it? How does the water get in and know
when to stop filling or when to drain the water? What do you do when the first
machine finishes? How big is it?”…all legitimate questions if you’ve never
heard of or seen one before. But I never thought I would explain the workings
of an appliance which was so second nature to me and taken for granted for the
first 22 years of my life to a grown, educated man. I hope to all goodness I
NEVER complain about doing laundry when I return to America, it really is easy
and convenient….
…that’s another thing that struck me about our conversation,
he response after I explained how convenient it is was, “Oh wow, life in
America is easy. I want that.” And it’s true. While yes, there are many real
struggles and life in America is not always perfect, it certainly is very
different. And after living in both worlds, I have come to believe that the
day-to-day is a bit easier back home. People in other parts of the world have
already figured out solutions to a lot of issues Tanzanians still face, America
is proof of that. Of course, having to do laundry by hand may not seem like one
of the biggest problems a person could have, but it really affects a lot of
other parts of life. The 2 or 3 hours it may take the caregiver of a large
family to do laundry could be utilized at a wage-earning job or in school. And
that, I think, is the key to impactful change in developing countries…a steady
paying job and an education.
So why do these problems still exist? Why are there still
developing countries in the world? My friend’s answer when I asked him about it
was: “Government.” The powerful leaders and leaders of many developing countries
tend only to care for their own gain and socioeconomic status. That infuriates
me and my co-worker.
But just as I was starting to feel defeated and sad, I
pointed to all the wonderfully amazing students that we have the privilege of
teaching and said, “But these are the bright young people who will change it
all,” to which he simply replied, “Yes, I think you’re right.”
Other Small Updates
1. I held a baby duck a few weeks ago…Tanzania is working wonders
for my fear of birds!
2. The Provincial for the Jesuits of Eastern Africa,
Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator SJ, had tea at our house. Let’s just say he’s one of
the coolest people ever.
3. There was an ordination of two young men at our parish in
Luhanga, the first Jesuit ordination in Dar es Salaam!
4. I am involved in starting a school newspaper at Gonzaga
(God willing, anyway). I am so excited to put my love for journalism and
writing to good use!
5. On July 31st, we celebrated the Feast of St.
Ignatius of Loyola at the secondary school, aptly named Loyola.
